Chocolate Coffee Cake
Chocolate Coffee Cake combines rich cocoa flavor with the boldness of black coffee, creating a moist and decadent dessert suitable for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Its tender crumb and subtle bitterness make it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy layered, flavorful cakes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the cocoa powder.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the strong black coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. To elevate the texture, sift your dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ingredients. For a twist, add chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts, which pair beautifully with this chocolate coffee cake.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate coffee cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect choice for brunch or afternoon gatherings. Consider serving it alongside Cream Cheese Kolacky for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chocolate coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Coffee Cake contains roughly 233 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular coffee instead of strong black coffee?
Yes, you can use regular brewed coffee, but the flavor may be less intense. To achieve a stronger taste, brew your coffee with less water or use a dark roast. The coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate, so it's worth the effort to make it strong.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain its texture.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a deeper coffee flavor or some chopped nuts for added crunch. Additionally, a splash of almond extract can give a lovely nutty note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).